They've Poked The Bear...

Well, the Emmy voters have done it!  They've poked the bear... They've awaken me from my blogging slumber; as I now feel compelled to write about the injustice that has been done to James Spader!

Those of you who have been "Riders" for a while, know of my long standing adoration for this fine actor.  In fact before today's post, I've mentioned him in blogs, at least seven other times, lol.  But today, I am enraged that the academy failed to include James Spader in their Best Actor nominations; because as Raymond "Red" Reddington, on "The Blacklist", he is absolutely BRILLIANT!!

I'll admit, I started watching "The Blacklist" simply because I knew that Mr. Spader was cast; but from the first monologue that he uttered, I was captivated and became a committed viewer.  I believe I've said this before, but other than Robert Downey Jr.  there is no one in my opinion, who rivals the talent of James Spader.  He could sell ice to an eskimo, sand in the desert, and he can repeatedly get away with murder; (well, on TV that is.)

If you haven't seen it, "The Blacklist" is very fast paced and I'll admit that I often get lost while watching the show.  Thankfully, Luis always watches it with me, which is extremely unusual because our TV appetites are vastly different.  After watching the first episode by myself, I knew that Luis would be just as charmed by "Red" as I was; so I encouraged him to watch it with me and he loved it.  On a side note, (because this cracks me up)  I'll tell you that Luis refers to Mr. Spader's character as "Rojo", (the Spanish word for Red.) But I digress...

There is no doubt that Rojo's performance is absolutely the BEST thing about the show and  I can't count how many times I've mentioned (while watching); that he was a sure thing for an Emmy nomination.  I guess I shouldn't have been that confident OR the Emmy voters LOST the samples of his performances.  Shame on them!

So why today?  Well the answer my faithful riders is simple of course... (Say it with me) "For the Greater Good!"  See, you know I still care about you!  For the greater good, I HAVE to make sure that you are tuning in to "The Blacklist" because it is intelligent entertainment.  For the greater good, I have to point out that James Spader deserves an Emmy for this performance even if the Academy doesn't acknowledge it; and for the greater good (at least mine) I HAVE to start writing again and this was the PERFECT opportunity to get started.

Till next time...
Paige

(43-355) What I've Been Missing...

The other day I read an announcement that had me very conflicted.  It said that James Spader would be joining the cast of "The Office."  Since I've mentioned James Spader in a number of previous posts, it should come as no surprise that I'm super happy that he's returning to television, BUT as I've never seen an episode of "The Office" in my life, I fear that I'd be starting a lil late in the game.  I suppose that if I had a good deal of time on my hands, I could try and watch a couple of episodes, but we all know that time is not something that I have a lot of AND the truth is, I never really had any interest in watching it, which is why I've been content to miss it.  I KNOW that "The Office" is very popular, so some of you may find it difficult to believe that I've never watched it; but just as I've missed some classic movies  there have also been several shows that I have never tuned in to.

Since my "Missing Movies" got such a good response, this seems like an opportune time, to share some TV shows that I've never seen.  Since #53 of "100 Random Things About Me" was "I have NEVER watched an episode of Star Trek." I don't feel the need to put Star Trek or any other Sci-fi type show on this list.  If it's a show that's Sci-fi, or futuristic, you can pretty much assume that I've NEVER seen it.  Ironically enough, #52 on that same list was " I will miss James Spader and "Boston Legal" terribly." 

So what else haven't I seen?  There are probably TOO many to list; so far now, since I am the Queen of FAIRNESS, I'll just 25 like I did with the movie post.

1.    ANY "CSI" show
2.   "House"
3.   "Everybody Loves Raymond"  (OK, I saw an episode in syndication once,   but just once.)
4.   "Home Improvement"
5.   "Newhart"
6.   "Modern Family"
7.   "Frasier"  (OK, maybe once but that was it.)
8.   Any "Law and Order" show
9.   "In the Middle"
10.  "Malcolm In the Middle"
11.  "Dexter"
12.  "Talk Radio"
13.  "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
14.  "Baywatch"
15.  "America's Got Talent"
16.  "Parks and Recreation" (Though I would like to check this one out)
17.  "My Name is Earl"
18.  "30 Rock"
19.  "The Simpsons"
20.  "According to Jim"
21.  "Two and a Half Men"
22.  "How I Met Your Mother"
23.  "Scrubs"
24.  "LOST"
25.  "Mad Men"

I probably could have made two separate lists, one for dramas and one for comedies; but we'll just let this suffice for now.  If you'd like to weigh in, on if I should start watching "The Office," or if you have a favorite show that you'd like to recommend, feel free to leave me a comment here or on Facebook, or you can email me.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

100 Random Things About Me

Continuity, continuity, continuity; oh and by the way, did I mention continuity? So just as I like to celebrate my birthday all weekend; OK all week long; I also want to enjoy the fact that I have reached a real milestone on "The Bumpy Ride" by posting 100 blogs. Now, being the Queen of Fairness that I am, I had to work through a real dilemma last week, as last weeks post was Bumpy Ride #100; however, since I deleted a post (NEVER to be read again - God willing;) it actually appears as if up until today there were only 99 posts. So what does this mean, you ask... Right, that THIS is TECHNICALLY blog # 100 - WOOHOO!

Now, if you happen to have read my post entitled "You Asked For It;" (The one with all the photos of GC,) then THIS post would be the one, previously referred to as #2; but hopefully you won't think it's #2 - capiche? And so, for continuity's sake I decided to bite off of a recent forward (if you will,) that has been going around Facebook. During the past few weeks people have been sharing 25 random facts about themselves. When I first received someones, I was a little perplexed because it invites you to share your 25 random things and I'm such an open book, that I honestly didn't think that there were 25 things that people DIDN'T know about me. After thinking about it for quite a few days (surprise, surprise ) I posted my list but later realized that I had forgotten to use some of the "good ones" that I'd come up with; so I got to thinking - "In honor of my 100th blog, I'm going to challenge myself to post 100 Random things (including some of my original 25 - I mean give a girl a break.) Now these 100 random things will also include random thoughts as hey, thoughts are things; AND, say it with me "I'm all about the greater good."

I've really been looking forward to this post, and I've had my list comprised pretty much since I previously referred to it as #2. I decided that I was going to take a break from work in the morning, and get this weeks post out early. I found my little picture (above) and I started typing away. I was ON A ROLL; until, I couldn't find my handy, dandy notebook where I had written the 75 things. I won't say I searched frantically, but CLOSE TO IT. Finally I gave up and went back to work. I emailed Michelle K, and let her know about my road block and she kindly suggested that I pray to St. Anthony as her Grandmother swears by it. Since I was desperate, I thought it couldn't hurt. I told her that I would do it, but I drew the line at crossing myself. I went from room to room saying "St. Anthony St. Anthony look around; something's lost and must be found" but alas, no notebook. So when I picked Kelsie up from school I told her that I had a very important job for her, and I asked her to look for my notebook and bribed her with the $1.00 Jr. Candy Sundae that she has been after from Sonic. Well, this was a deal that Kels couldn't pass up, and after being in the house about a minute and a half, I hear "I GOT IT!" And sure enough SHE DID. It was in the playroom, don't ask me why. My little artists probably needed a piece of paper and helped themselves to Mama's special book; but I DON'T care. I got it back and now I can get started. I wrote to Michelle and let her know that Kelsie had found my book, to which she replied "Great, maybe now she can find me a job." LOL I assured her that for the price of a Sonic sundae anything might be possible. AND while I'm on the subject; I just came back from getting Kelsie that Sonic Jr. candy sundae and I have to say - it's PERFECT! If you are trying to watch your weight, but desire a little treat, for $1.00 you get a small portion of vanilla ice cream with your choice of M&M's, Oreos, Peanut Butter Cup or Butterfinger, whipped cream and a cherry. I didn't get one for me, but definitely made a note to self, for those low self-control days, I am heading to Sonic.

And, so without further ado; I present my VERY random list.1. Luis and I fell in love at first sight in Puerto Vallarta;. We were physically together a total of 4 weeks during the course of 6 months, (before he came to the U.S on a fiance visa;) and we'll be celebrating our 15th anniversary on July 2nd. (Full story still to follow at a later date.)

2. My kids are the best thing I've EVER done..

3. I ache to become a professional writer. (I actually feel it in my bones.)

4. I've always wanted to live in Chickapin Parish ala "Steel Magnolias".

5. I don't think that I'm a very good driver; EXCEPT for on the highway in Mexico.

6. I am not very religious; but I love being Jewish.

7. I totally miss New York Diners. Seriously, if there is anyone with some restaurant savvy, and you're looking to strike it rich ~ move to Arizona and open a Good, Old Fashioned, everything from Omelets to Crab stuffed flounder diner, and you will make a Gold Mine.
8. ABBA music makes me happy!!

9. I'm a very good organizer( but you would never be able to tell that by looking at my house.)

10. I love going to the movies; but I rarely go.

11. I could eat Sushi every day.

12. Michelle Kalka (still getting used to that and I know SHE is too;) IS the best speller I know.

13. I have never been to Oregon, but I just have a feeling that I would love to live there.

14. My parents and paternal Grandfather all died at the age of 43 and that WON'T be me.

15. I love Broadway Musicals.

16. I do a pretty good Cher impression.

17. My favorite physical feature is my eyes (Yes, boys; my eyes.)

18. I excel at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. (Feel free to email AsktheQOE@gmail.com to challenge me.)

19. I don't like scary movies because I have a VERY vivid imagination.

20. "Silence of the Lambs" was the scariest movie that I've ever seen and I still check the backseat of my car before I get in; so I can make sure that no one is hiding in there to abduct me (proving #19 right there.)

21. I am terrified of dying and leaving my children.

22. I don't speak fluent Spanish; but I have a very good accent.

23. I'm not always the person that I want to be.

24. My friends are my family.

25. I have severe wanderlust.
26. I ALWAYS wake up in a good mood and raring to go - NO matter how tired I am.

27. I gave birth to all 3 of my children without any drugs or and epidural and I'd gladly do it that way all over again.

28. I'm a pretty good public speaker.

29. The 3 best meals of my life were all eaten with my husband, "My Sister" Michele and her husband, Tony.

30. I've never smoked pot or taken any other illegal drugs.

31. I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

32. I used to smoke cigarettes; and I loved it.

33. I don't like heavy metal - never have.

34. I LOVE iced coffee and even drink it when it's cold. (It TOTALLY reminds me of my mom, and she would just be tickled at how many places serve iced coffee now; let alone all of the varieties.)

35. I wish that we spent more time with my brother.

36. I believe intelligent conversation can be a thrill.

37. I've always loved award shows. (But now, I keep it down to the Oscars, the Tonys, The Emmys and The Golden Globes; oops, And SAG and Critics Choice.)

38. I believe that Jackie Teale would give you the shirt off of her back.

39. I am grateful for my husband and I LOVE him beyond words.

40. I'm great at returning things - even things that shouldn't be returned. (Yes, I'm THAT woman.)

41. I LOVE Frozen margaritas, without salt and only if you can't really taste the Tequila. (Yes, I know that's called a lime slushie - but humor me.)

42. I want to learn to make Matzoh Balls.

43. People tell me that I'm a good cook but I have a limited repertoire.

44. I love to make plans.

45. I'm very good at arguing (even when I don't want to.)

46. I wish I had a singing voice like Judy Leff, Michele Quigley or Stefanie Schanzer Melillo.

47. I don't think that people should wear slippers to the store.

48. I prefer fountain sodas to bottles or cans and the bigger THE BETTER!

49. I wish Bath & Body Works would sell Holly Jolly Mistletoe Antibacterial hand soap (or any evergreen scetnted soap) ALL YEAR LONG

50. I still LOVE to dance.

51. I can't resist movie theater popcorn. (With butter)

52. I will miss James Spader and "Boston Legal" terribly.
53. I have NEVER watched an episode of Star Trek.
54. I think Rachel Kaufman is a marvel. Her entrepenaurial spirit is contagious.

55. If my handwriting doesn't look neat enough to me (even if it's just a list;) I'll rip it up and re-write it. (I know what they call that; you don't have to tell me...)

56. I know nothing about wine, but I admire people who do.

57. Lori Butler is the MOST exceptionally, organized person I know.

58. I HATE being late; though all too often I am.

59. I hate calling in the order for take out; and I don't really like picking it up either. ( I think it has to do with being fat.)
60. I love Olives - ALL kinds.

61. I find slot machines tedious.

62. Sour Patch Kids / Sour gummy worms are my new faves.

63. I prefer chocolate if it has something in it - like peanut butter or nuts; hell, even a raisin.

64. I love the way Bobbi Hahn accessorizes.
65. Every day I try to be a better person.

66. I can't resist a "Real World Road / Rules Challenge"

67. I have learned that when someone shows you who they are - BELIEVE THEM.

68. I can't wait to go camping again. (I KNOW; can you belive it?)

69. I love to sleep in the car (when someone else is driving - of course.)

70. I love to look at the ocean but I've always hated sand.

71. I think Disneyland pales in comparison to Disneyworld.

72. I love mushrooms with EVERYTHING. Eggs, pasta sauce, steak - YUM!

73. I think crab legs are a waste of time. Not enough meat for the work; BUT, I really like crab.

74. I'm a big Johnny Depp fan.

75. I probably take too much Ibuprofen.

76. I have pee anxiety. If we're going somewhere I HAVE to go to the bathroom EVERY chance I get, for fear that I will have to go and then there won't be a bathroom available.

77. I love Victorian homes.

78. I've always wanted a porch swing (which I guess would mean I've also always wanted a porch.)

79. I am thankful that I come from New York.
80. I should have changed my major from Pre-Law to English and NOT Sociology / Criminal Justice.

81. Since I try not to eat carbs at dinner, Chinese food has lost it's appeal.

82. Hollie Castro is the most ambitious person I know; and I think she is truly awe inspiring.

83. My feet are way TOO BIG.

84. I wish that Nick Mitchell / Norman Gentle, would have made it into the wild card round of American Idol. ( I mean wouldn't you rather watch a few weeks of him, then say someone like Sanjaya?)

85. Serendipity is one of my very favorite words, (but I rarely get to use it.)

86. I believe that money can't buy happiness but it can buy peace of mind.

87. I am committed to building my home in Puerto Vallarta (for someday.)

88. I love to stay in nice hotels. (Which is to say - I love to stay in hotels; as long as they are NICE!)

89. I don't like to spend time alone.

90. It's very unusual for us not to have plans on a Saturday night.

91. I am not fond of cilantro.

92. I can defnitely fly by the seat of my pants.

93. I once went to the airport with a friend, and just got on a plane and went to Orlando. We had nothing with us, and just bought a few things when we got there.

94. I have recently learned to believe that just becasue someone thinks something about you; it DOESN'T mean it's true. (YES, I only JUST learned this.)

95. I believe that Robert Downey Jr. and John Travolta will both win Oscars one day.

96. I know Most KISS songs by heart; thanks to my brother. I hated them growing up, but over the years they've grown on me; and yah I REALLY LIKE THEM.

97. I think forgiveness is the best gift that you could give or receive.

98. Lesa Guth's lemon bars are good for what ails ya. (You'll just have to take my word for this one.)

99. I believe that I'll be paid to write one day. (hopefully sooner than later.)

100. I try to give more than I take.

So there you have it. What more can I say ~ REALLY? I know that these tidbits may seem rather self-indulgent, but I guess that's why it's MY blog. Although as I've said a million times before, I am EVER so grateful to those of you who chose to read it. And EVEN more grateful to those of you who tell your friends about it. LOL

I am optimistic that my next 100 posts are going to be even better than the first; and I am actually going to attempt to do 2 posts a week in order to get in a more regular writing groove. Maybe a pro wouldn't say writing groove; but hey, I just gotta be me.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

How the Ride Began Part 1

Disclaimer: This blog is has been previously published in the form of an email. So to any readers who participated in my Oscar pool or were in my test market, I apologize for the re-run; but wanted everyone to have a clear understanding of how the ride began...

OK, so with that said; When I announced that I was going to be writing a blog, many people asked WHAT I was going to be blogging about, and this was my reply:
Now you may be wondering what I plan to blog about and believe me; so do I. I certainly have comments still left to be made about the Oscar's; before, during and after. Everything from red carpet to acceptance speeches, etc. etc.
Where will I go from there? Well, I enjoy Reality TV so I thought I might write a bit about that. For instance I'm a "big musical girl" in case you haven't guessed that one already; here's the tip off - Jennifer Hudson - WOOHOO! Anywhoo, being the "big musical girl" that I am; of course I wanted to watch "Grease - you're the one that I want," I mean what could be better? Grease, one of the all time classic movies of the 70's; that I think I saw IN the theater at least 10 times (b/c god knows movie prices weren't what they are now, and one could reasonably see a movie 10 times - like there's anything reasonable about seeing a movie 10 times, but I digress.) Anyway, Grease, A reality show, Broadway bound performers or wannabe's whatever you wanna call em'. This just sounds too good to be true; and pretty much last weeks show proved that truer words were never spoken. I started calling the show "Grease - you're the one I don't want." I mean why the heck would you have people who are auditioning for a Broadway show, sing songs like "summer of 69 and Mony Mony." I might have understood if MAYBE those songs had been done to a Broadway style arrangement; but no, this was just pathetic w/ a capital P.
I must admit that one of the parts that annoyed me the most, wound up giving me such a laugh. I thought it was moronic that they gave a nickname to each Danny and Sandy. So one was Slacker Danny or Boy band Danny or Baby Sandy or Serious Sandy etc. But my absolute favorite, was "Spiritual Sandy," yes the girl who sings w/ church groups professionally chose to sing "suddenly I see" by KT Tunstall. I thought that this was a very peculiar choice for her but it tickled me silly every time she sang "why the HELL it means so much to me." I mean that line must be in the song at least 5-10 times and "Spiritual Sandy," sang on "Why the Hell, it means so much to me." Teehee. It was just awful. I'm thoroughly disappointed, though there are a couple of real hottie Danny guys. Truth be told, I'm just gonna watch in hopes that my boy John Travolta comes out one night to reprise his role - yum, yum, I love me some John Travolta. So I'll continue watching and waiting or maybe I'll just watch my Grease DVD and put myself out of my misery. Heck, even Grease 2 would be better than this. Can you say Adrian Zmed?? (Whatever happened to that joker?? ) For those of you - who have not seen this spectacle, you're probably lucky; however, the few minutes it took you to just read that tirade was a complete waste of your time. SORRY!! And for you I offer that I'm also considering writing about regular TV shows, like the genius I believe to be "Boston Legal."
What can I say - James Spader, James Spader, James Spader. No longer playing a spoiled, rich boy in 80's teen movies; all grown up and at his very best, Candace Bergen, I loved her as Murphy Brown and I say as Shirley Schmidt she's JUST as good - and even Shat. I for one have NEVER seen an episode of Star Trek or TJ Hooker and I didn't even care for his Priceline commercials, but this man was definitely born to be Denny Crane. Gosh, what a brilliant show. I think it kicks Ally McBeal's butt. Yes I know Ally isn't on anymore, but it's all David Kelly and this is much, much, better and smarter; though I must say I don't know who in their right mind would buy Delta Burke as a Jew?? Bella Horowitz my big toe. I see her and I just think Suzanne Sugarbaker (Designing Women;) another smartly written, awesome show, but not a Jewish girl amongst them; which is ironic since most everyone knows how us Jewish girls like to decorate - sometimes a little TOO much; and if you don't have any clue what I'm talking about with these shows either - again I say "Sorry," a few more minutes of your time wasted. My bad!!
Now, if none of this appeals to you; I think I'll also blog about everyday stuff. Thoughts, opinions, incidents. Because, let me just tell you that I am an incident waiting to happen. Rarely does anything go off without a hitch for me, so pretty much it's ALWAYS something. I've ALWAYS got a story to tell and now I finally have a forum to tell it. Not to mention that I'm married to Ricky Ricardo personified so what more could you ask for. My home is akin to an "I Love Lucy" episode on a daily basis; I just have interchangeable Mertzes.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

How the Ride Began Part 2

Disclaimer: This blog was previously published in the form of an email. To those readers who were in my Oscar pool or test market, I apologize for the re-run, and assure you that this will be the last one. My next blog will be brand spankin new; so please indulge me this one more time.

Fasten your seat belts; it's gonna be a bumpy ride...
SO back in the day; (the day being HS, college and basically pre-marriage,) I had a lot of male friends. Yes, some friends with benefits some others just friends; (I know what you're thinking; and you're probably right - LOL) I had plenty of female friends too of course (though not with benefits; haha) but anyway, A lot of male friends.
So once upon a time I was engaged to this former Chippendales dancer. In my opinion he was HOT, and obviously many would agree (though probably not my older friends b/c they hated him; and with good reason.) You see, HOT yes but good, NO. He couldn't keep a job while we were together, he stole from me and my friends, he had anger mgmt issues, and maybe a drinking problem and basically he was self-admittedly obsessed with me. I bring this up because I remember that when we were together , sometimes while I was at work, I would talk to this male friend on the phone; and though he was not as HOT as my then fiancé , I would get off the phone and I would feel so exhilarated. A little mind f_ck if you will; AND that Mind f_ck was AMAZING!! Anyway, I realized that the way I felt after some of these conversations was alot more important than how hot my man was or how much he loved me. I had a cerebral need and it wasn't being met. So I dumped him.
Now you may ask why I share this with you, and believe me, you know me; though it may take me long to get there; I always have a point. So when I wrote, James Spader, James Spader, James Spader when praising Boston Legal; one of my dear friends came back with James Spader vs. McDreamy (Grey's Anatomy) NO WAY!! So to this I reply - it's not always about the looks. I'm not saying that James Spader is hotter than McDreamy in a physical sense; (though he's not uneasy on the eyes;) but the way he delivers his monologues on BL - What a MIND F_CK!! I mean if you saw it last night - Gail O'Grady's character (the judge on JS's case;) was TOTALLY into him for his conduct, his repartee, his mind F_CK, if you will. Think about it people, the brain is as much a sexual organ as any other that we have. If you have a partner that challenges you intellectually and stimulates your awareness, this will go much farther then having a partner who is just downright good looking; cause - looks have been known to fade (just in some people's cases.) So yes; again I praise James Spader for giving me that delicious feeling after he's pushed the envelope for the umteenth time. Bravo James, Bravo, keep it coming. And Kudos to David Kelly, I mean SSAD - Same Sex Attraction Disorder; how friggin funny was that... For those of you who don't watch I'm sorry, you don't know what you're missing; and hopefully next time I'll blog about something that has some more meaning to you. As for McDreamy I don't think he brings as much to the table in the brains department, but if y'all enjoy looking at him; have at it. I still look at him and see him doing the African Ant Eater ritual in "Can't buy me love;" remember that 80's B Rate film ?? Don't get me wrong, amongst other things that I consider myself the Queen of; I am the queen of 80's B rate films. About Last Night; I could recite word for word, same with St. Elm's Fire, Sixteen Candles, Grease 2 (as previously mentioned,) and too many more too numerous to name. I enjoyed Can't buy me love; I'd watch it right now if it was on and I had the time; but McDreamy?? I don't know.
I on the other hand am fortunate enough to have a husband who is a total cutie, pretty funny and definitely smart - but for my mind F_CK; i'll tune in to BL.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTYHING